Melody Belle chimes in late to win the Sires’ Produce
NEW Zealand import Melody Belle has made an emphatic statement in the Group Two Sires’ Produce Stakes, hammering a quality field in sparkling fashion.
Melody Belle ($5 at Crownbet.com.au) took the lead unchallenged at the 200m mark and proceeded to gap the field to record what should be the most impressive victory of the day.
Super performances from horse, trainers and rider in Queensland there! #MelodyBelle brilliant. @TeAkauRacing.
— Jason Tan (@JSLTan) May 27, 2017
Taking Aim plugged on impressively after being left in the winner’s wake to return $2.10 at WilliamHill.com.au while Pierata ($4.90 at Crownbet.com.au made late ground on the back of the field to claim third.
It was Melody Belle’s first run in 56 days as well as the filly’s first-ever Australian start, and trainer Jamie Richardson said jockey Opie Bosson gave the star two-year-old every possible chance first up to win.
“Super ride from Opie,” trainer Richards said of the winning jockey.
“Jumped away well and put her in the gun spot.”
The trainer said the horse surprised him in the run given the lack of race fitness.
“I probably didn’t expect her to quicken in as good as she did on the ground but she’s certainly very impressive and she’s a lovely filly to have in the stable.”
Kiwi imports sometimes take their time to find their feet in Australia, but the ones that can hit the ground running over the Tasman invariably go on to taste big-time success.
Melody Belle firmed in to $2.80 for the Group One JJ Atkins at Ladbrokes.com.au on the back of the stellar performance.
@opie_bosson @TeAkauRacing @JamieRichards3 JJ Atkins confirmed as Melody Belle’s next assignment
— Aidan Rodley (@Agent200) May 27, 2017
Richardson said the win gave him confidence that more group success could be around the corner.
“We were mindful that she hadn’t run in a little while, and 1400m on a heavy ground.
“She should improve further.”
It was a decisive ride from Kiwi jockey Opie Bosson, but the jockey was quick to deflect any praise coming his way in the aftermath of the race.
“All credit to Jamie and Stevie Autridge,” Bosson said.
“She hasn’t run for a while and they had her at peak fitness so it’s good to get the win.”
Bosson believes the horse has the ability to step up confidently to the 1600m trip.
“She’s just relaxed so to go to the mile next time would be ideal.”